by Tony Galuidi
An exhibition of Tony Galuidi’s work is taking place at Whitby’s illustrious Pannett Art Gallery from the 12th May until the 24th June. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00am until 4.30pm, and entrance is free.
Trees are in my blood. Always have been, always will be.
Like most people reading this I have many fond childhood memories which involve trees and like some people reading this I will unashamedly admit that I prefer the company of trees to the company of people.
I have always sought out trees and for many years I have painted them – but it is only in the last three or four years that I have focussed my attention on the ancient ones; those veterans that have stood quietly for many hundreds of years and withstood the ravages of time and human interference.
Yorkshire is not renowned for its abundance of veteran trees, but I have found some absolute beauties and often in unexpected places. Most ancient trees live in the grounds of stately homes and former deer parks but there are quiet corners where I have found the most incredible trees. Quite often I have had to trespass to find these hoary veterans but I feel that I have as much right to visit these trees as the wealthy landowners who fence them off and deny access to those who would dearly love to see them.
Thankfully, most ancient trees are accessible to us all and I have searched the county in search of them. Some of the largest, most ancient oaks I have ever seen sit quietly, mostly unnoticed, in the car park of Castle Howard and, in a field within the boundaries of ‘smoggy’ Middlesbrough, stands a gnarled, veteran chestnut of epic proportions. While it’s true that we’re denied access to some of these ancient giants, many of them sit right under our noses.
Fountains Abbey has more than its fair share of ancient trees and takes care of one of the oldest cherry trees in the world. Just outside Harrogate lies Ripley Castle and here you will find a number of stunning trees that are well over 1000 years old. One gigantic oak, named ‘Norman’ because it predates the Norman conquests, measures over 9 metres in circumference. Other giants are named ‘Cyclops’, ‘Grandpa’ and, perhaps a little unkindly, ‘Dumpy’.
The process of painting, drawing and etching trees has helped me gain a more intimate understanding of the trees I so dearly love. My travels, in search of these giants and veterans, have taken me to some beautiful and often solitary locations which serve only to increase my passion for forests and wild places. I sell my work but donate all the proceeds to good causes, which adds another layer of satisfaction to my work. All money raised at this exhibition will be donated to Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.
The world can be a terrible place and we are surrounded by cruelty and violence – but trees and quiet places will always save us. They will always keep us from despair. They will always give us hope.